Work station for medical dose preparation system

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of work stations for use in medical dose preparation management system. A work station may include a camera stand. The camera stand may include a housing enclosing a camera and one or more light sources therein. As such, the camera and light sources may be directed at a medical dose preparation staging region to capture medical dose preparation images of the medical dose preparation staging region. The camera stand may include an adjustable support positionable in a plurality of positions to dispose the camera and light source relative to the medical dose preparation staging region. A base with a removable tray may be provided that include medical receptacle engagement features. The work stations may facilitate improved image quality, efficiency of work flows carried out at the work station, and administrative tasks such as cleaning.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/719,256 filed Oct. 26, 2012, entitled “WORK STATION FOR MEDICALDOSE PREPARATION SYSTEM,” which application is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many care providers have a pharmacy that prepares medical doses foradministration to patients that are treated by the care provider. Inthis regard, the pharmacies may employ a formulary to preparemedications in order to fulfill medical dose orders that are ordered bycare provider personnel (e.g., physicians) for administration topatients. Some medical doses to be prepared may include compoundedsterile products (CSPs) that may be prepared in specially constructedand controlled environment (e.g., an “IV Room”) in the pharmacy. Theprocess of preparing medical doses may be carried out in accordance withlocal policy, governmental regulations, industry organizations (e.g.,Chapter <797> of the United States Pharmacopoeia), or other applicablepolicies. For example, the preparation of medications may generallyoccur in a laminar airflow hood, isolator, or biological safety cabinet,by an operator (typically a pharmacy technician) who is tasked withpreparing the medical doses. Once the medical doses are prepared, themedical doses may be required to be verified by a pharmacist prior tobeing dispensed from the pharmacy for administration to a patient.

In traditional pharmacy management techniques, medical dose orders maybe provided to a printer that prints labels indicative of the medicaldose order that are to be applied to finished doses once the doses areprepared. A pharmacy technician may be required to retrieve labels froma label printer and use those labels as work order travelers in theprocess of preparing each dose. Once the dose prepared, the technicianmay apply a label to the dose. The completed, labeled dose may be setaside for a pharmacist to check along with, for example, sourceingredients, medicament receptacles used in the course of preparing thedose, and/or other material. In this regard, in order to check a dose,the pharmacist may be required to enter the clean room in which thedoses are prepared and physically observe the materials associated withthe dose order. As such, the checking of prepared doses may require thepharmacist to dress in protective clothing or equipment, which takestime and resources.

Furthermore, the only prompt a pharmacy may receive to prepare a medicaldose order is the printing of the label. In this regard, if a labelbecomes lost or damaged, a dose may not be prepared. Additionally,prioritizing work also becomes difficult because the label stack at thelabel printer may be the only evidence of what doses have been ordered,prepared, and/or dispensed. As such, relying on physical labels alone totrack doses may result in unprepared, lost, or duplicate doses. In somecases, pharmacies may produce duplicate labels as a matter of coursesuch that the pharmacy must review each label against the other, alreadyreceived labels, to determine if a label represents a new dose orderthat needs to be prepared. This practice may lead to increasedadministrative overhead in the pharmacy that add operational costs andreduce pharmacy efficiency.

Furthermore, while instructions for preparation of a drug may berecorded in official FDA-approved literature for the drug, pharmacytechnicians may not reliably consult the literature when preparingdoses. Rather, pharmacy technicians may memorize the steps needed forthe most common drugs, and then generalize those steps to other drugs tobe prepared without verifying the protocols associated with a particulardrug. In this regard, if the dose order includes special instructionsthat a pharmacy technician does not recognize, references regarding theproper techniques may not be present or may not be consulted.Accordingly, dose orders including special instructions often must beprepared by more experienced technicians or at the direction of moreexperienced technicians. In either regard, the protocol used to preparethe dose may not conform to the FDA-approved literature for the drugbeing prepared.

Further still, in traditional pharmacy management techniques, thepharmacy technician may be responsible for creating records that aremaintained in relation to doses that have been prepared and productsfrom the formulary that were employed to make the dose. For example, apharmacy technician may be tasked with transcribing information such aslot numbers, expiration dates, serial numbers, or the like. The manualcreation of records requires labor intensive practices that may resultin pharmacy inefficiencies, introduces the potential for errors in therecords, and may result in virtually unsearchable paper records.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of medical dose preparation management systems that mayassist in management of medical doses are described herein. Theembodiments described herein may include one or more work stations thatare used to assist in preparation of a medical dose order. For example,the work stations may be used to provide guidance to a technicianregarding the preparation of a medical dose order, and/or the work orderstations may be used to capture, collect, or compile data (e.g.,metadata) regarding the medical dose order. In this regard, metadataassociated with the medical dose order may be stored in correspondingrelation to the medical dose order such that the metadata may beaccessible to a care provider before or after administration of themedical dose associated with the medical dose order to the patient. Themetadata may include data regarding the prepared dose order, a componentof the dose order, or the manner in which the prepared dose order or acomponent of the dose order was prepared. Accordingly, metadatacaptured, collected, or compiled at the work station may be used toorganize, track, or otherwise manage medical dose orders. As such,examples of advantages facilitated by the medical dose preparationmanagement system may include, among others, improved prioritization,organization, tracking, and records keeping for medical dose orders.

For example, the metadata regarding a dose order may include one or moremedical dose preparation images related to components of a medical doseorder, steps carried out during the preparation of a dose order, or afinished dose order. In this regard, the medical dose preparation imagesmay be used to document or evidence the preparation of a medical doseorder. It may be appreciated that the quality of the medical dosepreparation images obtained by the medical dose preparation managementsystem may be an important consideration in the medical dose preparationmanagement system.

As such, it is presently recognized that the features and/or attributesof the work station may contribute to the accuracy, speed, and orquality at which the medical dose orders may be prepared by techniciansat the work station while capturing, collecting, and/or compilingmetadata (e.g., including medical dose preparation image data). As such,an objective of the present disclosure is to present work stations thatfacilitate efficient work flows to enable a technician to efficientlyprepare medical dose orders while obtaining dose order metadata.Additionally, an objective of the present disclosure is to present workstations that facilitate the capture of high quality medical dosepreparation images comprising dose order metadata. In this regard, theefficient capture of high quality dose order metadata during thepreparation of a medical dose may contribute to patient safety, improvepharmacy efficiency, assist in pharmacy management, and/or provide otheradvantages as may be appreciated in the description presented herein.Furthermore, an objective of the present disclosure is to present workstations that may facilitate advantages related to administrative taskperformed at the work station such as work station cleaning.

Accordingly, a number of aspects are described herein that are relatedto a medical dose order management system. The various aspects discussedherein may be realized in isolation and/or in combination with one ormore others of the aspects presented herein and thereby compose one ormore additional aspects. In this application, the term aspect is usedsynonymous to the term embodiment. In other words, one or more featuresof one or more aspects and/or one or more features of one or moreembodiments described in this application may be separated from theremaining features of the corresponding aspect and/or embodiment andcombined with separated features of one or more aspects and/orembodiments to create new aspects and/or embodiments. In this regard,the aspects described herein may be used in the context of a workstation of a medical dose management system as described above. Inparticular, the workstation may be adapted and suitable for the use in asystem for medical dose preparation management. One aspect may relate tothe use of a workstation for medical dose preparation management.Another aspect may relate to a medical dose management system and theworkstation may be a component of the medical dose management system.

Accordingly, the work station may generally include an imaging device(e.g., digital camera) supported relative to a medication preparationstaging region. The medical dose preparation staging region may be atleast partially defined by a base having a length and a width. That is,the base may include a surface for supporting an object such as amedication receptacle used in the preparation of a medical dose order atthe work station. The imaging device may have an imaging fieldencompassing at least a portion of the medication preparation stagingregion. The imaging device may be operable to capture digital image data(e.g., still digital images and/or video data stream) of the medicaldose preparation staging region (e.g., including medication receptaclesused in the medical dose order or prepared by the work station).

In this respect, one aspect may include an imaging device that islocated at least partially within a housing. In turn, the imaging fieldof the imaging device may extend through an opening of the housing.Additionally, a transparent shield may be disposed between the imagingdevice and the medication preparation staging region. In particular, thetransparent shield may cover at least a portion of the imaging device(e.g., corresponding to at least a lens of the imaging device). Thetransparent shield may extend across at least a portion of orsubstantially all of the opening through which the imaging field of theimaging device extends.

In the latter regard, the transparent shield and the housing may definean enclosed volume. As such, the transparent shield and the housing maydefine a continuous outer surface disposed about the enclosed volume.Thus, the imaging device may be disposed within the enclosed volume. Asa result, the imaging device may be shielded from an environmentexternal to the enclosed volume (e.g., the camera may be isolated fromspills or other potential contact with liquids or hazardous substancessuch as may occur during dose preparation or during the cleaning of thework station).

In another aspect, an imaging device may be provided having at least onefixed optical setting. In an embodiment, the fixed optical setting maybe preset (e.g., during the manufacture of the work station). The fixedoptical setting may result in a depth of field that encompassessubstantially the entire medical dose preparation staging region (e.g.,such that an image of an object in the medical dose preparation stagingregion is disposed within the depth of field). In various embodiments,the at least one fixed optical setting may correspond to at least one ofan aperture setting, a focus setting, a magnification setting, and/orother appropriate optical setting.

In another aspect, at least one light source (e.g., one or more LEDs)may be disposed in the housing. As such, the light source(s) may beoperable to emit light from the housing in a direction toward themedication preparation staging region. As such, the light source mayalso be disposed in the enclosed volume such that the light source isalso shielded from an environment external to the enclosed volume.

In still another aspect, light polarization filters may be employed inconjunction with a light source and an imaging device of the workstation (e.g., to reduce glare in a medical dose preparation imagecaptured by the imaging device). For example, the work station mayinclude a first polarization filter disposed between the imaging deviceand the medication preparation staging region and a second polarizationfilter disposed between the light source and the medication preparationstaging region. In an application, at least a portion of a transparentshield (e.g., as discussed above) may comprise at least one of the firstor second polarization filters. In an embodiment the transparent shieldmay comprise both, the first and the second polarization filters. In anembodiment, the first polarization filter and the second polarizationfilter may collectively cover at least a portion of the opening of thehousing. The first polarization filter and the second polarizationfilter may be disposed in non-overlapping relation, and the firstpolarization filter and the second polarization filter may haveperpendicular polarization orientations. Accordingly, the polarizationfilters may work in conjunction to reduce glare from objects in themedication dose preparation staging region.

In an embodiment, the imaging device may be disposed in a central regionof the housing opening and a peripheral region may extend about thecentral region. A plurality of light sources may be disposed in theperipheral region (e.g., spaced about the central region). In thisregard, the first polarization filter may cover a portion of the openingcorresponding to the lens of the camera and the second polarizationfilter may cover a portion of the opening corresponding to the lightsource(s).

In an embodiment, the peripheral region may extend in at least a firstdirection corresponding to the width of the base. The peripheral regionmay also extend in at least a second direction corresponding to one ofthe length of the base or a height of the medical dose preparationstaging region extending from the base. For example, as described ingreater detail below, the imaging device may be disposed in a pluralityof positions relative to the medical dose preparation imaging device.Accordingly, depending upon the orientation of the imaging device, theperipheral region may extend in a direction corresponding to the lengthof the base and when in a second position, the peripheral region mayextend in a direction corresponding to the height of the medical dosepreparation staging region (e.g., extending normal to the base).

In this regard, a support member may extend between the base and thehousing for supportably disposing the imaging device relative to thebase (e.g., between a plurality of different positions of the imagingdevice relative to the base). That is, the support member may beselectively positionable in at least a first position and a secondposition relative to the medication preparation staging region of thebase. The support member may be moveable between the first position andthe second position. Additionally or alternatively, the support membermay be selectively positionable in a plurality of different positionsrelative to the medication preparation staging region.

In an embodiment, the support member may include a first portionattached to the base and a second portion attached to the imagingdevice. The second portion may be moveable relative to the first portionbetween the first position and the second position. For instance, thefirst portion may be hingedly connected to the second portion.Accordingly, the first portion and the second portion may be pivotallydisposable between the first position and the second position. In anembodiment, movement between the first position and the second positionmay be dampened.

When the support member is in the first position, the imaging field ofthe imaging device may extend between the imaging device and the base toencompass at least a portion of the medical dose preparation stagingregion. When the support member is in a second position, the imagingfield may extend in a direction parallel to a support surface of thebase to encompass at least a portion of the medical dose preparationstaging region.

In one embodiment, the support member may extend from the base adjacentto an edge of the base extending along the width. The work station maybe disposed in a laminar flow hood or the like. Accordingly, a flow ofair from the laminar flow hood may be parallel to a directioncorresponding to the width of the base. That is, the support may bepositioned relative to the base so as not to obstruct the laminar flowof air across the base (e.g., substantially the entire base may beexposed to laminar air flow).

Furthermore, it is recognized that elimination and/or reduction of thenumber of wires, cables, and the like from the work station may beadvantageous. For example, the reduction of wires and/or cables mayprovide fewer structures and surfaces that require cleaning.Furthermore, in the case where a containment structure such as a laminarairflow hood, isolator, or biological safety cabinet is used, therouting of cables to an exterior environment of the containmentstructure may present difficulties in maintaining an appropriatecontainment level of the containment structure. As such, the reductionand/or elimination of wires, cables, and the like at the work stationmay improve the ability to clean the work station and may assist inmaintaining a level of containment of a containment structure employedat the work station.

In this regard, in an aspect, an umbilical may be provided that is atleast partially disposed within a support member (e.g., to reduce thenumber of cables, wires, or the like in the work station). The umbilicalmay include at least one of a signal communication member and a powercommunication member. That is, the umbilical may consolidate a number ofconductive members into a single cable to reduce the number of cablesthat need to be provided. The umbilical may be in operativecommunication with a processor.

In another embodiment, wireless technology may be incorporated at thework station (e.g., to completely eliminate the need for wires and thelike). That is, technology may be incorporated into the work station towirelessly communicate signals between the various components and theprocessor. For example, image data, lighting control data, scaleinformation, or other communication between the devices of the workstation and a processor may be facilitated by way of wirelesscommunication. Additionally, a battery may be provided with the camerastand to facilitate wireless operation. For example, the battery may bereplaceable or rechargeable to facilitate continued wireless operation.

In an application, the base of the work station may be supportablyengageable with a surface with one or more suction cups. In this regard,the camera stand may be securely retained on a surface. Furthermore, thesuction cups may provide some measure of vibration isolation from anexterior environment.

In another aspect, a support platform may be provided that is removablydisposable relative to the base. The removal of the support platform mayfacilitate cleaning of the support platform. The support platform may atleast partially define the medication preparation staging region. Thesupport platform may be made of a UV resistant material to withstanddiscoloration or deterioration of the support platform.

In an aspect, a support surface of the support platform may define aplurality of medication receptacle engagement features. Accordingly, thesupport platform may include a reference plane corresponding to asurface of the support surface. In this regard, the support surface mayinclude at least one groove defined in the support surface that mayextend from the reference plane by a first depth. Additionally, thesupport surface may include at least one channel defined in the supportsurface that may extend from the reference plane by a second depth. Thegroove and the channel may be operable to engage a medication receptacledisposed in the medication preparation staging region. In an embodiment,the first depth may be less than the second depth.

Also, in one implementation, the groove may include a first concavesurface extending from the reference plane to the first depth. Thechannel may comprise a second concave surface extending from thereference plane to the second depth. The first concave surface may havea first radius of curvature greater than a second radius of curvature ofthe second concave surface. In an embodiment, the support surface mayinclude a plurality of grooves and/or a plurality of channels. At leastone of said plurality of grooves may be disposed perpendicular to atleast one of the channels. Furthermore, at least one of the plurality ofgrooves may extend in a first direction of the base corresponding to awidth of the support surface. For example, at least one groove mayextend across substantially all of the support surface in a firstdirection corresponding to the width of the support surface. Also, atleast one of the plurality of channels may extend in a second directionof the base corresponding to the length of the support surface. Forexample, at least one channel may extend across substantially all of thesupport surface in a second direction corresponding to a length of thesupport surface.

Still another aspect may include a mechanism for alerting a user to thefact that a medical dose preparation image has been captured. Forexample, a user control device (e.g., a foot switch) may be providedthat is in operative communication with the processor to initiate acapture of a medical dose preparation image from the image data obtainedby the image device in response to a user input received at the usercontrol device. In other words, the user control device may be operableto and/or adapted to receive a user input for receiving a user input toinitiate capture of a medical dose preparation image from a video datastream output by the imaging device. Alternatively or additionally,other methods of triggering capture of a medical dose preparation imagemay be provided without limitation. In any regard, upon capture of amedical dose preparation image, an intensity of a light source may beautomatically modified from a default intensity of light emitted to amodified intensity of light. In other words the light source may beoperable and/or adapted such that an intensity of the at least one lightsource is automatically modified from a default intensity of lightemitted to a modified intensity of light emitted. The change in lightintensity may occur at a first predetermined period after the capture ofthe medical dose preparation image. Furthermore, the light source may beautomatically returned from the modified intensity of light to thedefault intensity of light at a second predetermined period after thefirst predetermined period. In other words, the light source mayoperable to and/or adapted to be automatically returned from themodified intensity of light to the default intensity of light at asecond predetermined period after the first predetermined period. Thelight source may be automatically returnable from the modified intensityof light to the default intensity of light. In this regard, the lightsource may be controlled to “blink” or “flicker” to indicate to a userthat the image has been captured so that the user may proceed in theworkflow.

In an embodiment, a scale may be provided that is in operativecommunication with the processor. The scale may be operable to output aweight corresponding to a medication receptacle that is supportablydisposed in the medication preparation staging region. In this regard,the scale may be provided in corresponding relation to the base (e.g.,disposed relative to the base and/or integrated with the base).

For example, the scale may be generally used to perform a gravimetricanalysis of an item disposed in the medical dose preparation stagingregion. For example, upon capture of a medical dose preparation image,the weight of the medication receptacle may be recorded by the processorfrom the scale at substantially the same time that the medical dosepreparation image is captured. In other words, the processor may beoperable to and/or adapted to—upon receipt of a user input—record theweight from the scale at substantially the same time that the medicaldose preparation image is captured. In this regard, the work station mayalso include a memory in operative communication with the processor forstoring the weight and the medical dose preparation image. For example,the weight and the medical dose preparation image may be associativelystored in the memory. As such, the processor may be operable to comparethe measured weight of the medication receptacle to an anticipatedweight of the medication receptacle (e.g., provided in metadata of theorder). In this regard, the processor may be operable to calculate adeviation of the measured weight to the anticipated weight. Thedeviation may be associatively stored in the memory with the weight, themedical dose preparation image, and/or the dose order. Furthermore, thedeviation may be compared to a threshold deviation value. Accordingly,when the deviation exceeds a threshold deviation, an alert may beprovided to a user. In this aspect, the base, the imaging device, andthe scale may be interconnected for movement as a single unit. Moreover,the processor may be operable to and/or adapted to compare the deviationto the threshold deviation, and provide the alert to the user.

Another aspect may relate to a method comprising the steps of outputtingof a video data stream of the imaging field, receiving the video datastream of the imaging field, initiating a capture of a medical dosepreparation image from the video data stream in response to a user inputreceived at a user control device, and outputting a weight correspondingto a medication receptacle that is supportably disposed in a medicationpreparation staging region. The method may further provide for uponreceipt of the user input, recording of the weight at substantially thesame time as the capture of the medical dose preparation image.

Numerous additional features and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration ofthe embodiment descriptions provided hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic and flow chart depicting an embodiment of amedical dose preparation management system and an embodiment of theoperation thereof.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a work station for use ina medical dose preparation management system.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a camera stand of awork station.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a housing of the camerastand of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the housing of thecamera stand of FIG. 3 showing a camera and light sources disposed in anenclosed volume of the housing.

FIG. 6 depicts an embodiment of a polarization filter during productionof the polarization filter.

FIG. 7 depicts the embodiment of the polarization filter of FIG. 6 in afinished and aligned state.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the camera stand ofFIG. 3 with a support disposed in a second position.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the embodiment of the camera stand of FIG. 3with the support disposed in the second position.

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict an embodiment of a connection between a firstportion and a second portion of a support in a first position and asecond position, respectively.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a base of the camera stand of FIG. 3with a support platform in a removed position.

FIG. 12 is a top view of an embodiment of a support surface of a workstation.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are front and side views, respectively, of the supportsurface of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of anattachment of an imaging device to a support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by wayof example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the inventionto the particular form disclosed, but rather, the invention is to coverall modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within thescope of the invention as defined by the claims.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a system 10 that may be used at a careprovider pharmacy 12 to assist in the preparation and/or management ofmedical doses. The system 10 may include a dose order input 20 toreceive medical dose orders. The dose order input 20 may be utilized bycare provider personnel (e.g., physicians, nurses, etc.) to ordermedical doses.

The medical dose orders received at the dose order input 20 may bespecific to patients or may be orders that are not associated with apatient at the time of ordering. In this regard, the medical dose ordermay correspond to a contained medication unit that may comprise one ofthe following:

-   -   a patient specific unit comprising a medication unit designated        for administration to a specific patient;    -   a non-patient specific unit comprising a medication unit to be        subsequently designated for administration to a specific        patient; or,    -   a medication component source unit to be used in the preparation        of a patient specific unit or a non-patient specific unit (e.g.,        that will be designated for administration to a specific patient        after preparation).        Examples of contained medication units that may correspond to        medication dose orders include:    -   compounded sterile products;    -   injectable medications;    -   chemotherapy preparations; or    -   nutritional supplements requiring administration by a patient        care provider (e.g., sterile injectable nutritional        supplements).

In the latter regard, nutritional supplements may include totalparenteral nutrition (TPN) or components of TPN. Furthermore,nutritional supplements may include partial nutritional supplements. Thenutritional supplements may include a pre-mix bag, base and additivecomponents separately or in combination, or other forms of nutritionalsupplements or components thereof. The nutritional supplements may befor administration via intravenous injections, in an edible form, or foruse with a feeding tube or the like.

In any regard, the medical dose may include one or more portions ofinformation that may be used to assist in preparation of the mediationdose, may be associated with the administration of the dose order to apatient, or may otherwise relate to the dose order. For example, thedose order may include information corresponding to:

-   -   a medication identity;    -   a medication amount;    -   a medication concentration;    -   information associated with a patient to whom the medication        unit associated with the medication dose order is to be        administered;    -   scheduling information (e.g., an administration time) for the        medication unit associated with medication dose order; or    -   other appropriate information regarding the medication unit        associated with the medication dose order.

In any regard, the medical dose orders may be communicated to a medicaldose preparation management system 30. The medical dose preparationmanagement system 30 may be operable to acquire 50 dose order data fromthe dose order information received from the order processor 20. Themedical dose preparation management system 30 may also preprocess 52dose order data. The preprocessing 52 may include, for example,generating a digital dose order record that is maintained by the medicaldose preparation management system 30. The digital dose order record maybe automatically populated with data that may be obtained from the ordersuch as, for example, any of the information described above inconnection with the medical dose order. In this regard, information maybe parsed, scraped, or otherwise obtained from the medication dose orderreceived at the order input 20. Specifically, in an embodiment, themedical dose preparation management system 30 may be operable to scrapedata addressed to a human readable output (e.g., a printer) from theorder input 20 to populate the medical dose order record with datacorresponding to the medical dose order.

In an embodiment, the medical dose preparation management system 30 maybe in operative communication with a mediation dose order database 32.In this regard, the medication dose order database 32 may be located atthe care provider facility (i.e., be on-site relative to the careprovider hospital 12). The medical dose preparation management system 30may additionally or alternatively be operable to communicate with aremote medication dose order database 34. In this regard, the medicaldose preparation management system 30 may communicate with the remotemedication dose order database 34 via a network or the like. In eitherregard, the medication dose order database 32 or 34 may be operable tostore medication dose order records in the medication dose orderdatabase 32 and/or 34. In addition, the medication dose order database32 or 34 may store dose order metadata in corresponding relation torespective ones of the stored medication dose orders. The medicationdose order database 32 or 34 may store active dose orders (e.g.,corresponding to dose orders that have been generated but not yetadministered to the patient) or archived dose orders (e.g.,corresponding to dose orders that have been administered to a patient).Redundant data may be stored at the on-site medical dose order database32 and the off-site medical dose order database 34. For example, theoff-site medical dose order database 34 may be a backup version of theon-site medical dose order database 32.

In any regard, medical dose order metadata may be stored incorresponding relation to a medication dose order. The medical doseorder metadata may include, for example, the following types of data:

-   -   medication source data indicative of at least one of:        -   a manufacturer of a component of the contained medication            unit corresponding to the medication dose order,        -   a lot number of a component of the contained medication unit            corresponding to the medication dose order,        -   an expiration date of a component of the contained            medication unit corresponding to the medication dose order,        -   a serial number of a component of the contained medication            unit corresponding to the medication dose order, or        -   a drug code indicative of the identity of a component of the            contained medication unit corresponding to the medication            dose order;    -   chain of custody data indicative of at least one of:        -   a listing of entities in possession of a component of the            contained medication unit corresponding to the medication            dose order or the contained medication unit corresponding to            the medication dose order,        -   a listing of users that have taken an action with respect to            the contained medication unit corresponding to the            medication dose order, wherein the listing of users is            correlated to specific actions taken by each user, or        -   tracking information corresponding to physical movement of a            component of the contained medication unit corresponding to            the medication dose order or the contained medication unit            corresponding to the medication dose order;    -   fulfillment data indicative of at least one of:        -   image data corresponding with a component of the contained            medication unit corresponding to the medication dose order            or the contained medication unit corresponding to the            medication dose order,        -   scanned data obtained from a component of the contained            medication unit corresponding to the medication dose order,        -   analytic data regarding a component of the contained            medication unit corresponding to the medication dose order            or the contained medication unit corresponding to the            medication dose order,        -   pharmacist review data corresponding with at least one            pharmacist review of a component of the contained medication            unit corresponding to the medication dose order or the            contained medication unit corresponding to the medication            dose order,        -   compliance data corresponding with best practices associated            with a component of the contained medication unit            corresponding to the medication dose order or the contained            medication unit corresponding to the medication dose order,        -   sterility assessment data corresponding to a component of            the contained medication unit corresponding to the            medication dose order or the contained medication unit            corresponding to the medication dose order,        -   a listing of actions corresponding to a component of the            contained medication unit corresponding to the medication            dose order or the contained medication unit corresponding to            the medication dose order,        -   time stamp data corresponding to actions corresponding to a            component of the contained medication unit corresponding to            the medication dose order or the contained medication unit            corresponding to the medication dose order,        -   a listing of life cycle events taken with respect a            component of the contained medication unit corresponding to            the medication dose order or the contained medication unit            corresponding to the medication dose order        -   weight data corresponding to a measured and/or anticipated            weight of a component of the contained medication unit            corresponding to the medication dose order or the contained            medication unit corresponding to the medication dose order;            or    -   environmental data indicative of at least one of:        -   a temperature to which a component of the contained            medication unit corresponding to the medication dose order            or the contained medication unit corresponding to the            medication dose order has been exposed,        -   a temperature to which and corresponding time period for            which a component of the contained medication unit            corresponding to the medication dose order or the contained            medication unit corresponding to the medication dose order            has been exposed,        -   whether a component of the contained medication unit            corresponding to the medication dose order or the contained            medication unit corresponding to the medication dose order            is refrigerated,        -   whether a component of the contained medication unit            corresponding to the medication dose order or the contained            medication unit corresponding to the medication dose order            is frozen,        -   a temperature profile experienced by a component of the            contained medication unit corresponding to the medication            dose order or the contained medication unit corresponding to            the medication dose order, or        -   accelerometer data corresponding to forces experienced by a            component of the contained medication unit corresponding to            the medication dose order or the contained medication unit            corresponding to the medication dose order.

As may be appreciated from the foregoing description of the medical doseorder metadata, a medical dose order may inherit metadata fromcomponents used in the preparation of the medical dose order. In asimple example, a medical dose order may include a first component(e.g., a drug) to be mixed with a second component (e.g., a diluent).The first component may have one or more portions of metadata asdescribed above that are associated with the first component.Additionally, the second component may have one or more portions ofmetadata as described above that are associated with the secondcomponent. Thus, a medical dose order that is prepared using the firstcomponent and the second component may inherit the metadata from each ofthe first component and second component. In this regard, a plurality ofgenerations of metadata may be compiled and attributed for a givenmedical dose order. In an embodiment, metadata for any and allcomponents used to prepare the dose order may be compiled and attributedfor a given medical dose order. As such, metadata information for themedical dose order may include metadata originating with sourcecomponents provided by a manufacturer of the components of a dose order.

The medical dose preparation management system 30 may also be operativeto organize 54 dose orders. The organization 54 may includeprioritization, scheduling, or other tasks associated with theorganization or management of dose orders. The medical dose preparationmanagement system 30 may also be operative to route 56 dose orders to anappropriate work station 40 for use in fulfillment of the dose order. Inthis regard, a plurality of work stations 40 may be provided incommunication with the medical dose preparation management system 30.Different ones of the plurality of work stations 40 may each be suitedfor different operations related to medical dose order management. Assuch, depending on the nature of a medical dose, a particular type ofwork station 40 may be used to prepare the dose. The work station 40 maybe on-site relative to the care provider hospital 12 as depicted in FIG.1 or may be off-site. In this regard, the routing 56 may includecommunications over a network to a remote work station 40. Furthermore,the system 10 may include a combination of on-site work stations 40 aswell as off-site work stations 40 to which dose orders may be routed 56.

In any regard, the medical dose preparation management system 30 may bein operative communication with one or more work stations 40. Therouting 56 of dose orders may be at least partially based on one or morefactors related to the dose order or the preparation of the dose order.For example, as stated above, the nature of the contained medicationunit corresponding to the dose order (e.g., whether a dose order is achemotherapy dose order, a parenteral dose order, or other specializeddose order) may factor into a determination regarding the routing 56 ofthe dose order. Additionally or alternatively, the capabilities of thevarious work stations 40 in relation to the manner in which the doseorder is to be prepared may be considered. For example, some orders mayrequire different levels of containment, hooding, or other precautionsthat may or may not be provided at each work station 40. In anembodiment, other parameters such as technician schedules, work stationschedules, work station location, medication dose order schedulinginformation, or other information may be used alone or in combination toroute 56 dose orders to a particular work station 40.

At the work station 40, a work flow corresponding to the preparation ofthe medical dose order may be displayed 58. In this regard, a work flowthat is specific to the medical dose order currently being prepared atthe work station 40 may be presented to a technician at the work station40 to assist or provide guidance to the technician preparing the doseorder. Accordingly, the technician may follow a sequence of steps toprepare the medical dose based on the work flow displayed 58 thatrelates to the dose order.

During and/or after the preparation of the dose order, the work station40 may be used to assist in obtaining 60 dose order metadata related tothe medical dose order. For example, the work station 40 may allow forrecording of documentation regarding the preparation of the medical dosesuch as, for example, acquiring barcode scans of products, capturingmedical dose preparation images of medical dose order receptacles duringor after use in the preparation of the dose, or obtaining otherinformation related to the preparation of the dose. In an embodiment,one or more of the types of data described above in relation to themedication dose metadata may be acquired in connection with thepreparation of the medical dose order at the work station 40.

At least a portion of the dose metadata obtained 60 regarding themedication dose may be stored for viewing by appropriate personnel(e.g., a pharmacist). In this regard, the dose metadata may be utilizedto verify 62 the prepared dose prior to the dose being dispensed fromthe pharmacy 12. In an embodiment, the metadata collected at the workstation 40 may be made available to a pharmacist via a network. In thisregard, a pharmacist tasked with verifying 62 a dose order may accessthe information and/or data remotely (e.g., in a location in thehospital but outside the IV room or even entirely remove from hospitalpremises via the network). The ability to remotely access the metadatamay allow the pharmacist to avoid having to enter the IV room to verify62 a dose order (i.e., thus avoid the potentially burdensome gowningprocedures commonly associated with entering the controlled environmentof an IV room). The verifying 62 may include inspection of medical dosepreparation images, obtained information, or other data regarding themedical dose order by the pharmacist. For example, the pharmacist mayverify the correct medication was prepared in the correct manner and/orin the correct amounts based on metadata gathered and stored during thepreparation of the medical dose order. If the medication dose order isincorrect in any regard, the pharmacist may request the medication doseorder be reworked or restarted.

Once the dose order has been prepared and verified 62, the medical dosepreparation management system 30 may dispense 64 the dose order. Whendispensing 64 the dose order, the dose order may be dispatched from thepharmacy 12 for administration to a patient by the care provider. Forexample, the dose may be administered at the care provider hospital 12or an offsite location under the direction or supervision of the careprovider.

The medical dose preparation management system 30 may also facilitatetracking 66 of the dose order to administration to the patient. Thepharmacy work flow manager 30 may also retain records associated witheach dose that may be stored or archived. For example, the records maybe stored digitally in electronically indexed and searchable form. Therecords may include at least a portion and preferably all metadataregarding each dose.

With further reference to FIG. 2, a schematic view depicting anembodiment of a work station 40 is shown. The work station 40 mayinclude a processor 70 in operative communication with an imaging device80. The imaging device 80 may be a digital camera operable to outputdigital image data. The digital image data may comprise still imagesand/or digital video. In this regard, the imaging device 80 may output avideo data stream 82 that is received by the processor 70. In thisregard, the processor 70 may include a video data stream processingmodule 72 for processing the video data stream 82 received at theprocessor 70 from imaging device 80. While the various components shownin FIG. 2 are shown in direct communication, the various components mayalso be in operative communication by way of a network interface or thelike.

The imaging device 80 may include an imaging field 84. The imaging field84 may encompass a medical dose preparation staging region 86. Theimaging device 80 may be supportably mounted to a base 90. For example,a support 92 may extend from the base 90 to the imaging device 80 tosupport imaging device 80 relative to the base 80. In this regard, in anembodiment the medical dose preparation staging region 86 may include asupport surface 94 of the base 90. The medical dose preparation stagingregion 86 may also include a volume above the surface 94 (e.g.,extending from the surface in a direction normal to the surface and/ortoward the imaging device 80). In any regard, the imaging field 84 ofthe imaging device 80 may encompass the medical dose preparation stagingregion 86 that may supportably receive a medication receptacle 100. Inturn, the imaging device 80, support 92, and base 90 may collectivelydefine a camera stand 200. As such, the camera stand 200 may be used ata work station 40 to support the imaging device 80 relative to the base90 to obtain medical dose preparation image and/or other metadata duringthe preparation of the medical dose order.

The medication receptacle 100 supportable by the base 90 in the medicaldose preparation staging region 86 may include any material, container,apparatus, or other object that is used in the preparation of a dose.For example, the medication receptacle 100 may be or include a sourcereceptacle, a transference receptacle, or an administration receptacle.A source receptacle may store a medication product as stored in thepharmacy prior to compounding or dose preparation. In this regard, thesource receptacle may be a receptacle as packaged by and received from adrug manufacturer. As such, the source receptacle may includeinformation thereon relating to the medication. For example, the productname, concentration, amount, lot information, expiration information, aserial number, other manufacturing information or other information maybe associated with the medication and/or may appear on the sourcereceptacle. The medical dose preparation management system 30 may beoperable to store metadata regarding the source receptacle including anyof the foregoing portions of data that may appear on the sourcereceptacle. In this regard, the source receptacle may be identifiable bythe work station 40 (e.g., via the use of a machine readable indiciumsuch as a bar code or the like).

Furthermore, the medical dose preparation management system 30 may beoperable to attribute metadata from the source receptacle to the doseorder in which the source receptacle is used as described above. Thesource receptacle metadata may even be attributed to or appended to themetadata for the medical dose order when the source receptacle comprisesa pre-prepared medication that has been compounded at the pharmacy anddisposed in the source receptacle for later use in the preparation of adose. In this regard, the metadata for several generations of componentsused to prepare a medical dose order (e.g., originating from originalsource components received from a manufacturer such as a drugmanufacturer) may be attributed to the medical dose order. As such, themedical dose order metadata may include information regarding allcomponents used in the medical dose order including inherited metadata.The metadata for the various components may be retrieved uponidentification of the receptacle 100 at the work station 40 (e.g., byway of scanning a machine readable indicium). In various embodiments,the source receptacle may include a vial, a syringe, a bottle, a bag, orother appropriate medication receptacle known in the art.

An administration receptacle may be any receptacle used during theadministration of the medical dose to the patient. The administrationreceptacle may contain any medication, diluent, supplement, or any othermaterial to be administered to the patient. In various embodiments, theadministration receptacle may include a syringe, an IV bag, or otherappropriate medication receptacle used in the administration of asubstance to patient. An administration receptacle may also includemetadata that is included in the metadata for the prepared medical doseorder.

The transference receptacle may be used to transfer a substance from asource receptacle to the administration receptacle. For example, thetransference receptacle may be a syringe or any other appropriatereceptacle known in the art capable of transferring a substance from thesource receptacle to the administration receptacle. A transferencereceptacle may also include metadata that is included in the metadatafor the prepared medical dose order.

Returning to FIG. 2, the processor 70 may be in further operativecommunication with a display 110. In this regard, the video data stream82 received from the imaging device 80 may be displayed on the display110 in a manner that is perceivable by user. The video data stream 82displayed on the display 110 may be processed by way of the video datastream processing module 72. For example, the video data streamprocessing module 72 may be operable to capture still images from thevideo data stream 82. The video data stream 82 may include a series ofimages displayed at a given frame rate. For example, the frame rate maybe 5-10 frames/second.

Medical dose preparation images captured by the video data streamprocessing module 72 may include one or more medication receptacles 100used in the course of preparing a medical dose order. In this regard,the preparation of medical dose orders may be documented by capturingimages of the medication receptacles 100 used to prepare the dose. Themedical dose preparation images may be stored as metadata regarding themedical dose order. A medical dose preparation image may include one ormore medication receptacles at various stages during the preparation ofthe dose. For example, a source receptacle, a transference receptacle,or an administration receptacle may be imaged before, during or afterpreparation of the dose.

The medical dose preparation images captured by the video data streamprocessing module 72 may be stored in a memory 120 in operativecommunication with the processor 70. In this regard, the medical dosepreparation images may be stored locally in the memory 120 at the workstation 40. Additionally or alternatively, the medical dose preparationimages may be communicated to a remote location (e.g., an on-sitemedication dose order database 32 or an off-site medication dose orderdatabase 34 shown in FIG. 1) by way of a network interface 140 inoperative communication with the processor 70. In any regard, medicaldose preparation images may be accessible such that images may be laterreviewed in the course of verifying (e.g., the verifying 62 describedabove in relation to FIG. 1) the medical dose order and/or formaintaining records regarding the dose orders prepared by the workstation 40 and/or the hospital pharmacy 12 generally.

The processor 70 may also be in operative communication with a usercontrol device 130. The user control device 130 may be operable toreceive an input from a user (e.g., a pharmacy technician preparing adose). The user control device 130 may be, for example, a foot pedal, abutton, a touch screen, a mouse, a keyboard, or other user input deviceknown in the art. A user may utilize the user control device 130 totrigger the capture of a medical dose preparation image from the videodata stream 82. For example, a medication receptacle 100 may be viewedby the user by observing the display 110 displaying the video datastream 82 captured by the imaging device 80 of imaging field 86including the medication receptacle 100. Once the image displayed on thedisplay 110 is acceptable to the user, the user may use the user controldevice 130 to trigger the capture of the medical dose preparation imagefor storage in the memory 120 or in a remote database as describedabove.

The work station 40 may also include a printer 150 that is operative toprint dose labels associated with a medical product, a dose that is inprogress, and/or a completed dose. In this regard, the printer 150 maybe a label printer operative to print labels used in the pharmacy 12and/or hospital in connection with metal doses and/or medical doseorders.

With further reference to FIG. 3, an embodiment of a camera stand 200 isdepicted. As described above, the camera stand 200 may include animaging device 80, a support 92, and a base 90. With respect to theimaging device 80, an imaging device housing 210 may contain a camera212 (as shown in FIG. 5). With additional reference to FIGS. 4 and 5,the housing 210 may define an opening 214. The opening 214 may bedisposed relative to the housing 210 such that the camera 212 may bedirected through the opening 214 toward the medical dose preparationstaging region 86. A transparent shield 216 may be disposed within theopening 214. For example, the transparent shield 216 may be secured tothe housing 210.

The transparent shield 216 may extend across at least a portion of theopening 214 (e.g., in corresponding relation to the lens 226). In anembodiment, the transparent shield 216 may extend across substantiallythe entire opening 214. In this regard, the housing 210 and thetransparent shield 216 may collectively define an enclosed volume 218(best seen in FIG. 5) in which the camera 212 may be disposed. In thisregard, the transparent shield 216 and housing 210 may also define acontinuous outer surface 220 that extends about the enclosed volume 218.Accordingly, the continuous outer surface 220 may allow for easycleaning of the housing 210 and the transparent shield 216. For example,the continuous outer surface 220 may be wipeable by an operator tofacilitate cleaning. As the continuous outer surface 220 may beresistant to fluids penetrating the enclosed volume 218, the componentsdisposed within the enclosed volume 218 may remain dry when the outersurface 220 is exposed to fluids (e.g., cleaning products). Furtheraspects of the camera stand 200 discussed below may also assist in thecleaning of a work station 40.

Also disposed within the enclosed volume 218 may be a light source board228. The light source board 228 may include one or more light sources230 connected to the light source board 228. The light sources 230 maycomprise individual light emitting diodes (LED). The light sources 230may be attached to the light source board 228 such that power and/orcontrol signals used in the operation of the light sources 230 areprovided to the light sources 230 by way of the light source board 228.In this regard, the light source board 228 may provide a physicalmounting substrate for supportably engaging the light sources 230 aswell as providing electrical communication between the light sources 230and the light source board 228. In this regard, the light source board228 may be a printed circuit board (PCB) including attachment locationsand appropriate electrical communication paths (e.g., conductive traces)to facilitate attachment and electrical communication between the lightsources 230 and the light source board 228.

The light source board 228 may include an aperture 232. A lens 226 ofthe camera 212 may be aligned with the aperture 232 such that an imagingfield 84 of the camera 212 defined by the lens 226 extends through theaperture 232. The aperture 232 may also be aligned with a central regionof the opening 214 of the housing 210. As such, a peripheral regionextending about the central region of the opening 214 may be occupied bythe light source board 228, and thus the light sources 230. In thisregard, the light sources 230 may be provided peripherally about theaperture 232 of the light source board 228, and thus the lens 226 of thecamera 212. The light sources 230 may emit light through the opening214. As such, the light emitted from the light sources 230 may at leastpartially coincide with the imaging field 84 of the camera 212. In thisregard, the distribution of the light sources 230 as shown in FIG. 4where the light sources 230 are distributed through the peripheralregion of the opening 214 about the lens 226 and aperture 232 mayfacilitate the relatively uniform distribution of light from the lightsources 230.

With further reference to FIG. 5, the camera 212 may be contained in theenclosed volume 218 defined by the housing 210 and the transparentshield 216.

As can further be appreciated in FIG. 5, one or more polarizationfilters 222 and 224 may be provided. As depicted, a peripheralpolarization filter 222 and a central polarization filter 224 may beprovided. At least a portion of the peripheral polarization filter 222and at least a portion of the central polarization filter 224 may bedisposed in non-overlapping relation. For example, the peripheralpolarization filter 222 may be disposed in the peripheral region of theopening 214 in corresponding relation to the light source board 228 andthe light sources 230. The central polarization filter 224 may bedisposed in the central region of the opening 214 in correspondingrelation to the lens 226 of the camera 212.

In this regard, the peripheral polarization filter 222 and the centralpolarization filter 224 may be disposed such that the direction ofpolarization of the filters are oriented perpendicularly to each other.

Accordingly, as light is emitted from the light sources 230, the emittedlight may pass through the peripheral polarization filter 222 and, thus,be polarized according to the first direction of polarization associatedwith the peripheral polarization filter 222. The light may then traveltoward the medical dose preparation staging region 86, which may becomeilluminated by the emitted light polarized in the first direction. Theemitted light originating from the light sources 230 may be reflectedfrom the medical dose preparation staging region 86. In turn, theemitted light may then pass through the central polarization filter 224,where the reflected light is then polarized in a second direction ofpolarization by the central polarization filter 224 that isperpendicular to the first direction of polarization associated with thepolarization filter 222. In this regard, light emitted from the housing210 may be polarized in the first direction of polarization by theperipheral polarization filter 222, be reflected back from the medicaldose preparation region 86 such that the polarization of at least someof the light is changed, and be polarized in the second direction ofpolarization by the central polarization filter 224. The result may bereduced glare on objects placed in the medical dose preparation stagingregion 86. For example, especially in the case of shiny materials suchas glass, light that impinges on an object in the medical dosepreparation staging region 86 normal to the surface may not undergo achange in polarization. Thus, the light incident normal to the objectthat may result in glare does not change in polarization from the firstdirection. The introduction of the central polarization filter 224 witha polarization in the second direction may fully block the reflectedlight that is still in the first polarization direction because thelight was reflected normal to the surface, thus reducing the glare thelight in the first polarization direction may otherwise produce.

To achieve the foregoing relative orientations of the polarization ofthe peripheral polarization filter 222 and the central polarizationfilter 224, the respective filters may be manufactured from a unitarysheet of polarized material. With respect to FIG. 6, the centralpolarization filter 224 may be cut from a unitary sheet of polarizingmaterial 246 with a single polarization orientation. The centralpolarization filter 224 may include wings 248 a and 248 b, each having amounting hole 250 a and 250 b, respectively. With further reference toFIG. 7, once the central polarization filter 224 has been separated fromthe unitary sheet of polarizing material 246, it may be rotated 90°relative to the remainder of the unitary sheet of polarizing material246 now comprising the peripheral polarization filter 222. In thisregard, the polarization directions of the central polarization filter224 may be perpendicular to the peripheral polarization filter.Furthermore, the separation of the central polarization filter 224 fromthe peripheral polarization filter 222 may provide the non-overlappingrelation between the central polarization filter 224 and peripheralpolarization filter 222 (e.g., with the exception of the wings 248 a and248 b of the central polarization filter 224). In other embodiments,completely separate portions may be provided that define the centralpolarization filter 224 and the peripheral polarization filter 222. Assuch, the polarization directions of the separate portions may be testedand aligned appropriately to achieve perpendicular relative orientationsof the polarization directions.

Additionally or alternatively, other optical filters may be providedother than the polarization filters described above. For example, adiffusion filter may be provided that may provide more uniform lightdistribution at the medical dose preparation staging region 86. Otheroptical filters such as high pass, low pass, band pass, or any otherappropriate optical filters may be employed to selectively control theemission of light from the light source. Additionally, light sourcesthat emit certain wave length light may also be employed. Further still,light sources may be employed that are operable to controllably emitdifferent wave length light (e.g., the color of the light may becontrolled).

It may be appreciated in FIG. 5 that the camera 212 is contained in theenclosed volume 218. In this regard, access to the camera 212 may belimited. Accordingly, optical settings associated with the camera 212may not be modifiable by a user by manipulation of the camera 212directly. It has been found that often in an effort to improve imagequality, an operator may adjust the optical settings of a camera 212.However, the resulting adjustments may ultimately degrade the quality ofimages resulting in sub-optimal focus and/or aperture settings for avariety of images to be captured using the camera 212.

Accordingly, in an embodiment, the camera 212 includes at least onefixed optical setting. For example, one or more optical settings may befixed such that a depth of field of the camera 212 as defined by thelens 226 encompasses at least a portion of the medical dose preparationstaging region 86. In an embodiment, at least a majority of the medicaldose preparation staging region 86 is encompassed by a depth of field ofthe camera 212. In an embodiment, substantially all of the medical dosepreparation staging region 86 is encompassed by a depth of field of thecamera 212. The fixed optical settings of the camera 212 may comprise afocus setting, an aperture setting, a magnification, or another opticalsetting affecting the depth of field of the camera 212.

In another embodiment, the optical settings of the camera 212 may beadjustable (e.g., by a user). For example, a focal length,magnification, or other optical parameter of the camera 212 may beadjusted. The adjustment of the optical settings may be manuallyaccomplished by a user manipulating a portion of the camera 212. In anapplication, an electronic signal may be provided to the camera 212 inorder to adjust the optical settings thereof. In an embodiment, camera212 may be continuously adjustable through a continuum of settingsassociated with one or more optical parameters. In another embodiment, aplurality of discrete optical parameters may be selectable. For example,the optical parameters the camera 212 may be selected from among atleast two different optical parameter settings. For example, acorresponding optical parameter setting may be selected based on aselected position of the camera 212 relative to the base 90. In thisregard, the camera 212 may be disposed at different distances relativeto the base for different positions of the support 92 and/or fordifferent configurations of the camera stand 200. In this regard, forthe various different configurations available, discrete optical settingmay be provided for each position of the imaging device 80 relative tothe base 90 such that the optical parameters associated with the camera212 results in a clear image of the medication receptacle 100 beingimaged by the camera 212.

In an embodiment, the light sources 230 may be used to indicate when amedical dose preparation image has been captured. That is, as describedabove, a user control device 130 may be used to initiate the capture ofa medical dose preparation image from a video data stream 82. In a firstpredetermined period after the capture of the medical dose preparationimage, the intensity of at least one of the light sources 230 may bechanged. The change in intensity may indicate to the user that the imagehas successfully been captured. In this regard, the light intensity ofthe light source 230 may change from a default level to a modifiedintensity (e.g., either more or less intense). The light source 230 maythen return to the default intensity after a second predetermined periodof time. In this regard, the light source 230 may “blink” or “flicker”or momentarily change from the default intensity to a modified intensityand then return to the default intensity). The variation in intensitymay be readily perceived by a user to indicate the image has beencaptured and that the medical dose preparation staging region 86 may becleared and, for example, prepared for the next image.

Returning to FIG. 3, the housing imaging device 80 may be supportablyengaged by a support 92. The support 92 may allow for selectivelypositioning the support 92 in at least a first position and a secondposition relative to the medication preparation staging region 86. Forexample, the support 92 may be selectively positionable between theorientation shown in FIG. 3 (referred to herein as a first position) andthat shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 (referred to herein as a second position).

In this regard, the support arm 92 may include a first portion 234 and asecond portion 236. The first portion 234 may be supportably engagedwith the housing 210 and the second portion 236 may be supportablyengaged with the base 90. The first portion 234 may be positionablyattached to the second portion 236 at a connection 238. For example, thefirst portion 234 may be moveably attached to the second portion 236such that the first portion 234 may undergo relative movement withrespect to the second portion 236 to move between the first positiondepicted in FIG. 3 and the second position depicted in FIG. 10. In thisregard, the connection 238 may comprise a hinge to provide pivotalmovement between the first portion 234 and the second portion 236between the first position and the second position.

The movement of the first portion 234 relative to the second portion 236may be dampened and/or dampenable. In this regard, connection 238 mayinclude a dampener that dampens movement of the first portion 234relative to the second portion 236. In one embodiment, the dampener maycomprise coordinating elliptical profiles provided on each of the firstportion 234 and the second portion 236 at the connection 238. Theelliptical profiles may be provided as coordinating surfaces of thefirst portion 234 and the second portion 236. Other shaped profiles maybe provided other than elliptical profiles such as, for example, anon-uniform contoured shape (e.g., profile defining one or more camlobes).

One embodiment illustrating the use of coordinating elliptical surfacesto achieve dampened movement between the first portion 234 and thesecond portion 236 is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. For example, a firstelliptical surface 240 may be provided on the first portion 234 and asecond elliptical surface 242 may be provided on the second portion 236.The elliptical surfaces 240 and 242 may be concentrically disposed andseparated by a resilient material 244 (e.g., a resilient o-ring or thelike). Upon pivotal movement of the first portion 234 relative to thesecond portion 236, the elliptical surfaces 240 and 242 may converge,resulting in compression of the resilient material 244, thus dampeningmovement between the first portion 234 and the second portion 236. Also,coordinating detent features 252 may be provided for registration of thefirst portion 234 relative to the second portion 236 at the firstposition 234 and the second position 236. The damping may be non-uniformthrough the movement of the first portion 234 and the second portion236. For example, the damping force acting in response to movementbetween the first portion 234 and the second portion 236 may be less asthe first portion 234 and the second portion 236 move toward the firstposition (shown in FIG. 3). Thus, the positioning of the first portion234 relative to the second portion 236 may be more precise given thedamping force is less near this point than at other points of travelbetween the first portion 234 and the second portion 236.

As may be appreciated in FIGS. 3 and 8-9, the first position (shown inFIG. 3) of the support 92 may dispose the imaging device 80 such thatthe imaging field 84 of the imaging device 80 is oriented in a mannersuch that the medication preparation staging region 86 is disposedbetween the imaging device 80 and the base 90. That is, the camera 212may be directed at the base 90 such that the medication preparationstaging region 86 defined by the base is between the camera 212 and thebase 90 and in the imaging field 84 of the camera 212. In this regard, amedical dose preparation image captured by the camera 212 may include animage whose dimensions correspond to a length and width of themedication preparation staging region 86.

In the second position (shown in FIG. 10) the imaging device 80 may beoriented with respect to the base 90 such that the imaging field 84 ofthe imaging device 80 extends parallel to a plane defined by a supportsurface 262 of the base 90 that is described in greater detail below.That is, the camera 212 may be directed perpendicularly to the base 90such that the imaging field 84 extends in a direction parallel to thesupport surface of the base to encompass at least a portion of themedical dose preparation staging region extending normal to the base 90.

The support 92 may also contain at least a portion of an umbilical 268that may be operable to establish communication between the componentsdisposed in the enclosed volume 218 (e.g., the camera 212, the lightsource board 228, light sources 230, etc.). In this regard, theumbilical 268 may establish electrical communication paths between thecomponents in the enclosed volume 218 and the processor 70. In someembodiments, the umbilical 268 may include one or more bundled orconsolidated cables, one or more conductive traces, a plurality ofwires, or other appropriate conductors to establish electricalcommunication between the components in the enclosed volume 218 and theprocessor 70. As shown in FIG. 3, the umbilical 268 may extend from thecamera 212 and/or the light source board 228 and pass into a passage 270defined in first portion 234. The passage 270 may extend from the firstportion 234 to the second portion 236. In this regard, the connector 238may facilitate passage of the umbilical 268 therethrough. For example,the umbilical 268 may pass through the second portion 236 and emergetherefrom. The umbilical 268 may include a connector at an end oppositethat in communication with the components in the enclosed volume 218that may be used to establish electrical communication with theprocessor 70. For example, the connector may be a proprietary orstandard connector (e.g., a USB connector or the like).

It may be noted that the umbilical 268 may provide electricalcommunication paths for a plurality functions. For example, signal pathsand/or power communication paths may be provided in the umbilical 268.In this regard, plurality of discrete electrical communication paths maybe consolidated into a single cord extending from the camera support200. In the context of a work station 40, the minimization of wires inthe work area may provide advantages, especially in the context ofcleaning the workstation 40. That is, the fewer wires present in a workarea (such as a laminar flow hood, isolator, or biological safetycabinet) the easier the work station 40 may be to clean.

Furthermore, in the context of, for example, a biological safetycabinet, it may be appreciated that elimination of wires or cablesextending from the camera stand altogether may be particularlyadvantageous. For example, a biological safety cabinet may providecomplete isolation from an external environment. In this regard, shoulda camera stand 200 include a cord, the cord may be required to passthrough the wall of the biological safety cabinet. However, a minimumlevel of containment must also be maintained, which may be difficult orcostly to achieve while facilitating passage of the cord through thecabinet wall. In this regard, it is contemplated that the camera stand200 may be completely wireless. For example, wireless technology may beincorporated to the camera stand 200 to facilitate communication ofelectronic signals between the camera stand 200 and the processor 70.Examples of such wireless technology include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or otherwireless vacation technologies. Furthermore, the camera stand 200 may beequipped with a battery to provide operational power to the camera stand200. The battery may be removable, replaceable, and/or rechargeable tofacilitate wireless operation of the camera stand 200. For example, alithium-ion battery or other appropriate type of battery may be providedin the camera stand 200. The battery and provided any portion of thecamera stand 200 without limitation including for example, the base 90,the support 92, and/or the enclosed volume 218.

With further reference to FIG. 15, a mechanism for attaching the camera212 to the first portion 234 of the support 92 is shown. It may beappreciated that the camera 212 may be subject to an image toleranceassociated with the alignment of the camera 212 to the base 90.Misalignment between the camera 212 in the base 90 may result in imagedistortion such as keystoning or the like. In this regard, the imagetolerance associated with the alignment between the camera 212 of thebase 90 may be important to obtain quality medical dose preparationimages using the camera 212. However, manufacturing considerationsassociated with providing connection tolerances between various piecescomprising the camera stand 200 may make it difficult to achieve theimage tolerance to provide accurate camera alignment duringmanufacturing. That is, the camera 212 may include an imaging tolerancethat is more restrictive than the connection tolerances provided in theattachment of the camera 212 to the camera stand 200. For example,connection tolerances may be introduced, inter alia, at the interfacebetween the base and second portion 236 of the support 92, the firstportion 234 and the second portion 236, the attachment of a mountingplate 300 and the first portion 234, and the interface to the camera 212and associated mounting structure. Furthermore, it may be appreciatedthat the tolerances associated with each of these interfaces may presenta tolerance stack up problem that may result in misalignment of thecamera 212 with respect to the base 90.

Accordingly, as depicted in FIG. 15, a mounting plate 300 may be securedby way of fasteners 302 to an attachment member 304. The attachmentmember 304 may be secured to the first portion 234 by way of fasteners306. A mounting structure 310 may be secured to the mounting plate 300.The camera 212 may be mounted to the mounting structure 310. Theinterface between the mounting structure 310 and the mounting plate 300may define a gimbal 320. The gimbal 320 may allow for adjustablemovement of the camera 212 in at least a first (and potentially two,three, or more) directions. The gimbal 320 may include one or more jacknuts 322 that may allow the mounting structure 310 to be adjustablypositioned relative to the mounting plate 300. For example, the jacknuts 322 may include coordinating nut pairs provided on a threaded stud323 such that the attachment of the mounting structure 310 relative tothe mounting plate 300 may be adjusted up and down along the threadedstuds 323 (e.g., at three locations as shown in FIG. 15 to controlmovement of the camera 212 in at least two directions) Accordingly, thecamera 212 may be adjusted or aimed by manipulating the jack nuts 322 tomodify the orientation of the camera 212 once secured to the mountingstructure 310.

In this regard, it may be appreciated that once the attachment member304 is secured to the first portion 234, the mounting plate 300 issecured to the attachment member 304, the mounting structure 310 issecured to the mounting plate 300, and the camera 212 secured to themounting structure 310, the alignment of the camera 212 may benon-perpendicular to the base 90 (i.e., the imaging tolerance may not beachieved). In this regard, the jack nuts 322 may be manipulated so as toalign the camera 212 to be substantially perpendicular to the base 90such that any image distortion such as keystoning may be eliminated fromthe resultant image obtained by camera 212. In other words, the imagingtolerance may be achieved via adjustment of the gimbal 320. As such, theamount of adjustment provided by the gimbal 320 may at least correspondto the difference between the connection tolerance and the imagingtolerance associated with the alignment of the camera 212 to the base90.

It may be appreciated that the mounting plate 300 and/or mountingstructure 310 may be fabricated from sheet material. In this regard, themanufacturer of these components may be provided at significant lowercost than other manufacturing techniques that may be employed whentolerances are required to be relatively high. In this regard, the useof the gimbal 320 provide adjustability of the alignment of the camera212 once secured to a mounting structure may allow for manufacturingtechniques that are less costly to be employed when manufacturing thecamera stand 200.

While not shown in FIG. 15, it may be appreciated that the housing 210and/or transparent shield 216 may be secured to the mounting plate 300and/or mounting member 304. In this regard, the housing 210 and/ortransparent shield 216 may be secured relative to the mounting plate 300and/or mounting member 304 to define the enclosed area 218.

With further reference to FIG. 12, the base 90 of the camera stand 200may include a platform base 254 and a support platform 256 that isremovably disposable relative to the platform base 254. In this regard,the support platform 256 may be removed, for example, to undergocleaning or the like. The platform base 254 may include one or more feet258 that may engage a surface on which the platform base 254 isdisposed. For example, the platform-based 254 may include one or moresuction cup bases 276 may be used to secure the base 90 and in turn thecamera stand 200 to the surface. The suction cup bases 276 may providesecure attachment to the surface to provide stable operation of thecamera stand 200. That is, suction cup bases 276 may at least partiallyisolate vibrations to improve the image obtained by the camera 212 whencapturing a medical dose preparation image as described above. Thesupport platform 256 may be constructed of a UV resistant material.

The support platform 256 may have a length 272 and a width 274. In thisregard, when the support platform 256 is disposed on the platform base254, the length 272 and width 274 may define dimensions of the base 90.The length 272 and the width 274 may also correspond to a medicalpreparation staging region 86 at least partially defined by the supportplatform 256.

Additionally, with reference to FIG. 4, it may be appreciated that theperipheral region of the opening 214 of the housing 210 may extend in afirst direction corresponding to the length 274 of the support platform90. The peripheral region may extend in the first directioncorresponding to the length 274 of the base 90 both when the support 92is in the first position shown in FIG. 3 and the second position shownin FIGS. 8-9. The peripheral region may extend in a second directioncorresponding to the width 274 of the support platform 256 when thesupport 92 is in the first position. When the support is in the secondposition (as best seen in FIG. 9), the peripheral region may extend in adirection corresponding to a height of the medical dose preparationregion 86 extending normal to the support platform 256.

The platform base 254 may include a scale such that an item disposed onthe support platform 256 when disposed on the platform base 254 may beweighed. For example, the weight measured by the scale may be capturedsubstantially simultaneously as the capture of a medical dosepreparation image by the imaging device 80. Accordingly, the weightobtained by the scale may be appended to the dose order metadata. In anembodiment, the processor 70 at the processor or a remote processor withaccess to the metadata may perform a gravimetric analysis using a weightmeasured by the scale to, for example, compare the measured weight to ananticipated weight for the medical dose. The scale may comprise loadcells disposed in the platform base 254 (e.g., at each foot 258 of theplatform base 258 or adjacent to where the support platform 256 issupported.

In this regard, the anticipated weight for the medical dose may becontained in the metadata to assist in a gravimetric analysis of themedication receptacle 100. The processor 70 at the work station 40 mayassociatively store the anticipated weight and the measured weight.Furthermore, the processor may be operable to compare the measured weighto the anticipated weight. In an embodiment, a deviation of the actualweight from the anticipated weight may be calculated and if thedeviation exceeds a threshold, an alarm may be provided to the user.

The support platform 256 may at least partially define the medicationpreparation staging region 86. For example, the medication preparationstaging region 86 may encompass a volume extending in a direction normalto a support surface 262 of the support platform 254. As such, areceptacle supportably engaged by the support platform 254 may beencompassed by the medication preparation staging region 86 such thatthe receptacle is disposed in the imaging field of the imaging device80.

The support platform 254 may also include one of more medicationreceptacle engagement feature that may engage a medical receptacle thatis supportably disposed with respect to the support platform 254. Forexample, the medication receptacle engagement features may include atleast one groove 264 and at least one channel 266. With furtherreference to FIGS. 13-15, the features described comprising the supportplatform 254 may be further appreciated. The grooves 264 may extend fromthe support surface 262 a first depth. The channels 266 may extend fromthe support surface 262 a second depth. The first depth may be less thanthe second depth. That is, the grooves 264 may be shallower with respectto a depth extending from the support surface 262 than the channels 266.The engagement features described herein may extend across substantiallyall of the support platform 254, and in turn, the medication preparationstaging region 86 at least partially defined by the support platform254. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the grooves 264 extend in adirection different than at least a portion of the channels 266. Forexample, at least a portion of the grooves 264 may extendperpendicularly to the channels 266. In addition, at least a portion ofthe grooves 264 may extend in a direction corresponding to the channels266.

The grooves 264 may have a first radius of curvature in a directioncorresponding to the first depth from which the grooves 264 extend fromthe support surface 262. In this regard, the grooves 264 may have agenerally concave profile. For example, a concave surface profile may bedefined along the groove 264. Similarly the channel 266 may include asecond radius of curvature in a direction corresponding with the seconddepth. In this regard, the channels 266 may also have a generallyconcave profile (e.g., a concave surface profile). The first radius ofcurvature may be larger than the second radius of curvature such thatthe grooves 264 include a shallower profile versus a steeper profile ofthe channels 266.

In an embodiment, the grooves 264 may be adapted to engage a firstportion of a medication receptacle. For example, the concave surfaceprofile of the grooves 264 may correspond with the circumference of thebarrel of a syringe. In this regard, the syringe barrel may be receivedin the grooves 264 such that movement of the syringe barrelcorresponding to rolling of the syringe may be restricted when disposedon the support platform 256 and engaged by a groove 264. In a similarregard, the channels 266 may be adapted to engage a second portion of amedication receptacle. For example, the concave surface profile of thechannels 266 may correspond with finger rest of a syringe. Additionallyor alternatively, the concave surface profile of the channels 266 maycorrespond with a plunger end. In this regard, when the barrel of asyringe is disposed in a groove 264, the finger rest and/or plunger endof the syringe may be engaged by the channel 266 that may restrictmotion of the syringe along the length of the groove 264. As such, thesyringe may be constrained in at least two degrees of freedom to reducethe potential the syringe mistakenly moves (e.g., slides, is disrupted,or otherwise moved) from the support platform 256. It may also beappreciated that the concave surface profile of the grooves 264 and/orthe channels 266 may be operable to retain a cylindrical body (e.g., avial, bottle, or other cylindrical container) to prevent rollingmovement thereof.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, thedescription is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosedherein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with theabove teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are withinthe scope of the present invention. The embodiments describedhereinabove are further intended to explain known modes of practicingthe invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize theinvention in such or other embodiments and with various modificationsrequired by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the presentinvention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed toinclude alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the priorart.

What is claimed is:
 1. A work station for use in a system for medicaldose preparation management, the work station comprising: a base; amedication preparation staging region disposed relative to the base andoperable to supportively engage at least one medication receptacle; animaging device having an imaging field encompassing at least a portionof the medication preparation staging region, wherein the imaging deviceis operable to output a video data stream of the imaging field; aprocessor in operative communication with the imaging device to receivethe video data stream of the imaging field; a user control device inoperative communication with the processor to initiate a capture of amedical dose preparation image from the video data stream in response toa user input received at the user control device; a scale in operativecommunication with the processor and operable to output a weightcorresponding to a medication receptacle that is supportably disposed inthe medication preparation staging region; a memory in operativecommunication with the processor; wherein upon receipt of the userinput, the weight is recorded by the processor from the scale atsubstantially the same time as the capture of the medical dosepreparation image, and wherein the weight and the medical dosepreparation image are associatively stored in the memory.
 2. A workstation according to claim 1, wherein the processor is operable tocompare the weight to an anticipated weight of the medicationreceptacle.
 3. A work station according to claim 2, wherein theprocessor is operable to calculate a deviation of the weight to theanticipated weight.
 4. A work station according to claim 3, wherein thedeviation is associatively stored in the memory with the weight and themedical dose preparation image.
 5. A work station according to claim 3,wherein the deviation is compared to a threshold deviation, and whereinwhen the deviation exceeds a threshold deviation, an alert is providedto a user.
 6. A work station according to claim 1, wherein the base, theimaging device, and the scale are interconnected for movement as asingle unit.
 7. A work station according to claim 1, wherein the scaleis included in the base.
 8. A work station according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a housing, wherein the imaging device is located at leastpartially within the housing; and, a support member extending betweenthe base and the housing for supportably disposing the imaging devicerelative to the base.
 9. A work station according to claim 8, whereinthe base, the imaging device, and the scale are interconnected formovement as a single unit.
 10. A work station according to claim 8,further comprising: an umbilical at least partially disposed within thesupport member, wherein the umbilical includes at least one of a signalcommunication path and a power communication path.
 11. A work stationaccording to claim 8, further comprising: at least one light sourcedisposed in the housing, wherein the at least one light source isoperable to emit light from the housing in a direction toward themedication preparation staging region.
 12. A work station according toclaim 11, wherein the housing includes an opening, wherein the imagingdevice is disposed in a central region of the opening and a peripheralregion extends about the central region, and wherein a plurality oflight sources are disposed in the peripheral region.
 13. A work stationaccording to claim 11, wherein an intensity of the at least one lightsource is automatically modified from a default intensity of lightemitted to a modified intensity of light emitted at a firstpredetermined period after the capture of the medical dose preparationimage.
 14. A work station according to claim 13, wherein the at leastone light source is automatically returned from the modified intensityof light to the default intensity of light at a second predeterminedperiod after the first predetermined period.
 15. A work stationaccording to claim 1, wherein the base comprises: a support platform atleast partially defining the medication preparation staging region. 16.A work station according to claim 15, wherein the base furthercomprises: a platform base, wherein the support platform is removablydisposed relative to the platform base.
 17. A work station according toclaim 1, wherein the base comprises: a platform base, wherein the scaleis included in the platform base.
 18. A work station according to claim17, wherein the scale comprises load cells disposed in the platformbase.
 19. A work station according to claim 18, further comprising: asupport platform defining the medication preparation staging region,wherein the load cells are disposed adjacent to the support platform.